Lamivudine+Nevirapine+Zidovudine

When should one not use Lamivudine+Nevirapine+Zidovudine

Common side effects of this drug are:

• Rash
• Headache
• Abdominal pain
• Muscle pain
• Diarrhea
• Nausea

Other General Warnings

• You have kidney disease or reduced kidney function.
• You have liver disease, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C.
• You have HIV and hepatitis B virus (HBV) co-infection.
• You have a history of severe skin reactions or hypersensitivity to medicines.
• You have anaemia, low haemoglobin levels, or low white blood cell counts.
• You have bone marrow problems or a history of blood disorders.
• You have experienced muscle weakness or muscle pain.
• You have risk factors for liver disease or are overweight.
• You are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
• You are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed.
• You are taking medicines that affect liver function.
• You are taking methadone, rifampicin, antifungal medicines, or hormonal contraceptives.
• You are using St. John's wort or herbal products containing it.
• You develop rash, fever, fatigue, nausea, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or dark urine.
• You require regular blood tests to monitor liver function and blood cell counts.
• You plan to stop this medicine suddenly, especially if you have hepatitis B infection.
• You expect this medicine to cure HIV infection.

How Does It Work?

• Lamivudine+Nevirapine+Zidovudine works by inhibiting the HIV reverse transcriptase enzyme, which is essential for viral replication.
• Lamivudine and zidovudine are converted inside the body into active triphosphate forms that cause premature termination of viral DNA synthesis.
• Nevirapine binds directly to reverse transcriptase and disrupts its catalytic activity.
• Together, these actions reduce the ability of HIV-1 to multiply in the body.

Interactions with other medicines

• Other antiretroviral medicines containing lamivudine, nevirapine, or zidovudine should not be taken with this medicine, as it may result in duplication of therapy.
• Abacavir-containing fixed-dose combinations that include lamivudine and zidovudine may increase the risk of adverse effects when used together.
• Rifampicin and rifabutin can significantly reduce nevirapine plasma concentrations and may reduce its effectiveness.
• Antifungal agents, such as ketoconazole or fluconazole, can alter nevirapine plasma concentrations.
• Methadone levels may decrease due to nevirapine, which can result in withdrawal symptoms and may require dose adjustment.
• Oral contraceptives and other hormonal birth control methods may become less effective when taken with nevirapine.
• Medicines metabolised by liver enzymes (e.g., CYP3A4 or CYP2B6) may have reduced plasma concentrations when co-administered with nevirapine.
• Medicines used to treat tuberculosis, fungal infections, or seizures may require dose adjustments when used together with this medicine.
• Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole may increase lamivudine levels in the body.
• Valproic acid, atovaquone, and fluconazole may increase zidovudine exposure.
• Ribavirin may interfere with the activation of lamivudine and zidovudine and increase the risk of liver toxicity.
• Interferon alfa, with or without ribavirin, may increase the risk of serious liver-related adverse effects.
• St. John's wort or herbal products containing it can significantly reduce nevirapine levels and should be avoided.
• All prescription, non-prescription, and herbal medicines should be reviewed before starting this treatment.

Interactions with food items

• You can take this medicine with or without food.
• Food does not affect how the medicine works.
• You should take it the same way each day.
• You should avoid St. John's wort.

Overdose

Missed a Dose